Beloved Conductor Gabriel Feltz Dies Suddenly at 55
Belgrade, Serbia – August 30, 2025 – The world of classical music is mourning the loss of Gabriel Feltz, a highly respected German conductor known for his passionate interpretations of opera and symphonic works. Feltz passed away on August 29th at the University Hospital in Essen, Germany, at the age of 55. The cause of death has not yet been released.feltz’s career spanned decades, marked by notable roles with leading orchestras and opera houses. He served as General Music Director of the City of Dortmund for twelve years and, since 2017, held the position of Chief Conductor with the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra, where he quickly became a beloved figure in Serbian musical life.
The Belgrade Philharmonic released a poignant statement acknowledging the profound loss: “With deep sorrow and heavy hearts… the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra informs our colleagues, audiences, and the wide Serbian public of the sudden passing of our beloved Chief Conductor, Gabriel Feltz.” The orchestra described his death as “an immeasurable loss… to Serbian culture as a whole.”
A condolence book will be available at the Philharmonic’s headquarters, Studentski trg 11, starting Monday at 10 AM.
A Distinguished Career
Born in Germany, Feltz established himself as a conductor with a particular affinity for 19th and 20th-century music. His early career included positions as General Music Director in Altenburg-Gera (2001-2005) and with the Stuttgart Philharmonic (2004-2013). He then led both the Dortmund Opera and Dortmund Philharmonic from 2013 to 2024, before taking on the role of Music Director in Kiel in 2024.
Though, it was his eight-year tenure with the Belgrade philharmonic that cemented his legacy.The orchestra’s memoriam highlighted his transformative impact: “Gabriel worked with the Belgrade Philharmonic with passion and perseverance, leading the orchestra to new successes… He stood by the Philharmonic in its most difficult moments, advocating for its future with relentless energy.”
Under Feltz’s leadership, the Belgrade Philharmonic entered a new era of artistic achievement, firmly establishing itself on the international stage. He is remembered not only as a gifted musician but also as a dedicated freind and colleague.
Keywords: Gabriel Feltz, conductor, Belgrade Philharmonic, Dortmund Philharmonic, classical music, obituary, music director, Serbian culture, opera, symphony.
